The black felt shako of 1855 replaced the previous ‘Albert’ shako which had lasted eleven years. The change was made to coincide with the radical change of uniform from the tailed coatee to the skirted tunic. This shako was influenced by the French kepi following the close contact between the British and French armies in the Crimea. It was 5.25 inches (13.4 cms) deep at the front and 7.15 inches (18 cms) at the back. The shako sloped forward at the back so that the top had a diameter one inch less than the base. The top was black patent leather slightly sunken. There was a front peak of 2.4 ins (6 cms) deep and a small back peak of 1.4ins (3.5 cms).
The gilt badge (4.1 inches deep) was based on the garter star with the Victorian crown replacing the topmost point. The central silver badge of Britannia and lion over IX was on a black leather backing surrounded by a gilt garter strap inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE. The white over red ball tuft denoted battalion company officer. Field officers had a similar tuft but the top of the shako was edged with gold lace.
